Canada's aspirations for a gold medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to a disappointing end. The team faced off against France in the quarterfinals, entering the game as eight-point favorites. However, France managed to secure an 82-73 victory, derailing Canada’s Olympic journey.
The game's outcome was influenced significantly by France's defensive performance. In the first quarter, Canada struggled mightily, managing only 10 points. By halftime, they found themselves trailing 45-29, a gap too wide to overcome in the remaining quarters.
Standout Performances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with an impressive 27 points, putting up a valiant fight against a staunch French defense. However, his efforts were not enough to shift the momentum in Canada's favor. Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his frustration, saying, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
On the French side, Guerschon Yabusele shone brightly, scoring 22 points. Evan Fournier added crucial support with 15 points off the bench, while young star Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points. Canada’s bench, by comparison, combined for a total of 16 points.
Struggles and Setbacks
One of the most significant setbacks for Team Canada was the performance of Jamal Murray. Throughout the tournament, Murray had been struggling, averaging just 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field. Against France, he continued to underperform, scoring only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting and going 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts throughout the tournament.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez did not hold back in his criticism of the team's performance. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," he remarked. The statistics supported his assessment; Canada finished with 14 assists against 14 turnovers. Despite France's 17 turnovers, Canada could not capitalize on these opportunities effectively.
Reflecting on the Journey
This Olympic appearance marked Canada's first on the grand stage since the 2000 Sydney Games. The team carried high hopes and expectations, particularly with the inclusion of top NBA talents. However, the pressure and the bright lights of the Olympic stage proved to be a formidable challenge.
Lu Dort, a forward for Canada, shared his thoughts on the tournament's abrupt conclusion. "It's really disappointing. We had goals to get all the way to the end. When it gets cut short, it's tough and we have to live with it. We have to do whatever it takes to get back in four years," he said, emphasizing the team's resolve for future competitions.
Looking Ahead
The absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who chose to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was another hurdle for Canada. His presence might have provided a much-needed boost to the squad. Yet, the focus now shifts to building on this experience and aiming for redemption in future international tournaments.
For Canada, this Olympic run is a learning experience, highlighting both the potential and the areas requiring improvement. As they turn their attention to the future, the lessons from Paris will undoubtedly shape their approach and preparations for the next opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage.